Tarriel cut him off, stepping closer to Kyrianna. "Tarriel of Culdora," she said with as much indifference as she could muster after being doubled over by Kyrianna’s powerful kick.
Kyrianna’s thoughts were whirling. She was trying to figure why these people from different tribes would be here in Kaheendra. She couldn’t understand the language of the large red headed woman but she gathered that it was an introduction and that she was from Culdora. She decided it best to play along as though she was Kaheendran. "What are you doing here in my homeland?"
Lucian gave her a crooked smile and rested his hands on his chest. He wondered if she was truly from Kaheendra. She looked fairer than any Kaheendrans he had seen in the past and the fact that she was hiding in a farmers loft spoke multitudes. But he decided he wouldn't go down that avenue. "We came from Sanjeera, in an attempt to seek aid from Kaheendra. A war is brewing against Vorea."
That was all that Kyrianna needed to hear. Her worst fears had been realized. Kaheendra was not alone in their treachery. Sanjeera and the other southern tribes sought to unite against Vorea. She had to make it to her city to warn them. She didn't think she could kill all four of these foreigners, especially the man she had attacked. He seemed to have been able to stop her at any moment. She had to think of a way to get free of them and be on her way.
"Well I am sure that they will be happy to see you in Kaheendra. They will need all the forces they can muster to sac a city as great as Vorea." She tried but couldn't keep the last sentence from coming out as an angry whisper.
Lucian was bewildered by her last remark. Why would Kaheendra help the northern army in the attack against Vorea? Then again, it was Kaheendran brutes that had attacked them out on the street on their way into the city. "So Kaheendra means to attack Vorea as well?"
Kyrianna was taken aback by the question. He seemed genuinely confused at what she told him. She didn't want to trust him but something in his eyes told her that he was not a threat. "Yes, Kaheendra means to attack Vorea."
Lucian started to rub his temples. Without Kaheendra’s aid, the southern tribes would have a hard time getting to Vorea. The future was already looking very bleak. They would need to get back to Sanjeera to begin gathering forces. He looked back into the woman's beautiful green eyes. She was running from something. "Then we must return to Sanjeera immediately,” said Lucian.
"Why return to Sanjeera,” asked Kyrianna, growing more confused. “Don't you need to go into Kaheendra?"
Lucian looked at Kyrianna for a long time before speaking. "Can I trust you to hold your tongue?" He already believed she could.
“Of Course,” said Kyrianna
"We came here to seek aid from Kaheendra, to help in the war against the northern horde that threatens Vorea."
Kyrianna's spirit soared. She had allies after all. Her cautious mind quickly took over. She didn’t want to reveal anything about herself just yet. She must find out what else these people know.
"What do you mean, northern horde?" she asked.
Lucian could tell now from the look on the woman's face that she was indeed from Vorea. "We have reason to believe that a great army masses north of Vorea and will soon attack. We have been attempting to unite the southern tribes, to come to Vorea’s aid. We were on our way to Kaheendra when we were ambushed by a large number of brutes from Kaheendra, and assassins. Now my fears have been realized if what you say is true and Kaheendra has sided against Vorea."
Kyrianna didn't speak. She turned away, lost in thought over the implications of what she had already been told, but didn’t quite believe until now. The northern tribes were coming together to attack her home. She wondered if she could get to Vorea in time, if the small tribes of the south could even help her city. She was beginning to feel hopeless when a hand rested on her shoulder, startling her. She turned to find the one named Lucian looking down on her with his golden eyes. He gave her a warm smile. It was a beautiful smile.
"We mustn't loose hope. A large force has gathered to help aid Vorea. Why has Kaheendra turned on your city, why are you here?" he asked.
Kyrianna was surprised again. How could Lucian have known that she was from Vorea? He seemed to see through every facade she put up. "I was captured, held prisoner by Kaheendra. It is not the entire tribe that wishes to attack my city. They are being deceived by a man named Makashin, their War Councilor. When the royal family was murdered except for the fool prince, Makashin had the High Priest arrested and thrown in prison. He appointed a pretender named Sorintao Yanzin as the new High Priest and now has the Prince dangling from his strings. They hope to spur the people of Kaheendra into war against Vorea by telling them lies.”
“Makashin has control of the army but he needs the people to back his decision to go to war or revolts will break out and he would lose control of the entire tribe. He was trying to use me, to aid in his accusations of my people, but I escaped. However, I fear that he has fed them enough lies already and they will not go against him, even without me there as a sacrifice. If what you say is true about the northern tribes uniting, then it is likely he has been given a bribe that he will use to ensure peace, along with riches that will better their lives. He is a smart man and knows how to swoon the people."
"People are not so easily fooled," said Lucian. "Often, all they need is to be shown the right, in order to see the wrong."
Kyrianna was impressed with Lucian’s beliefs. She watched him pace, working out something in his head. "Be that as it may, who is there, that can show them the right?"
"You said that the High Priest was put in prison. This Makashin was obviously threatened by him." He let his words linger, giving Kyrianna an opportunity to offer more information.
"The people loved the old High Priest. He was a good man and devoted to them. But Makashin would sooner kill him then allow the people to hear his words again."
"Why hasn't Makashin killed him already then? Maybe he fears that if he does, word will leak to the people and he doesn't want a martyr. He probably told them lies of how the High Priest admitted to committing some crime. It would allow Yanzin to take over as the new high priest without much protest from the people."
Kyrianna eyed Lucian suspiciously for a moment. His theory was sound but she felt as though she was wasting valuable time. "All of this is inconsequential. I must get back to Vorea to warn them of the attack, of both attacks. I can waste no more time." She was about to walk away when Lucian grabbed her arm, his grip was gentle, yet firm.
"No, you mustn’t go. I need you to be with me in Kaheendra, to represent your people."
Now Kyrianna looked at Lucian as if he was mad. "What do you intend to do? Walk into Kaheendra and rally the people into overthrowing Makashin?" She grunted out a laugh and pulled away from his grip.
"Something like that,” responded Lucian. “I intend to free the High Priest and let the Great Father take care of the rest."
Kyrianna was shocked at his audacity and yet she couldn't make herself laugh at him. His golden eyes glimmered with incredible confidence. He had faith in his plan. She found herself, against her will, believing that he might be able to pull such a thing off, however absurd it seemed. Looking to the others, she realized that they had no intention of questioning him and seemed content in following this man from Yavasura, a small and insignificant tribe from what Kyrianna had heard. She wondered why. There was something she didn't know. Something she intended to find out, but first, she had to save her people.
"What if your plan does not work, what if we are captured and put to death? How then will Vorea be warned?"
"You and I are not the only ones who know of this event. A large army is not so easily hidden and I doubt that Vorea is not aware of the pending attack by now. If we are to help in any way, we need Kaheendra to side with us. They alone could hold up any reinforcements from the southern tribes long enough for Vorea to fall. We need Kaheendra. I have been led here for a reason and must have faith in that. If you really wish to rush off to Vorea
, I can’t, and will not keep you from doing so, but I think that you may be of great help to us."
Kyrianna stared at Lucian for a time, trying to decide what she should think of him. His eyes held sincerity in them and pulled her in, making her want so badly to trust him. She thought about what he had said about Vorea already knowing that an attack was imminent and figured the same was probably true. Vorean scouts were well trained and there were a lot of them. Word of the Northern army massing must have gotten back to Vorea by now. She was jogged from her thoughts when the barn door came open. Everyone jumped at the same time except Lucian who had already side stepped to the door and was standing behind it, waiting. His sense of awareness impressed her.
In walked an old man, holding some milk and bread with cheese. At first Kyrianna wanted to start running but realized that the others were not scared of him at all and then the large man named Eliath started talking to him. She heard the old man tell Eliath that they looked hungry and he wanted to bring them some food and drink. Eliath expressed his gratitude and Lucian, who rounded the door, at first startling the old man, did the same. Without thinking, Kyrianna spoke up, also thanking the man for the food, years of diplomacy ingrained into her actions. When his narrow eyes settled on hers, they went wide. She quickly looked down and pretended to be interested in the dirt, cursing her stupidity.
Lucian did not miss the interaction between them but quickly interrupted, bowing again and thanking the farmer, repeating the words that Eliath had said. "Eliath, ask the old man if he knows of the pending war?"
Eliath asked and the farmer shook his head in confusion. "He has heard of no war."
"Ask him if he knows what happened to the old High Priest," said Lucian
Eliath asked and the old man nodded and started to explain. Eliath translated.
"He says that the old High Priest, Ojori, was taken and thrown in the dungeon one day by General Hihanzo, leader of the army. They said that he had admitted to committing crimes against the people. The specifics of those crimes were never told to them but most of the people just took it for truth, however they were sorely upset that the beloved priest was taken away. Soon a new High Priest was appointed, Sorintao Yanzin. He does not care for the people like Ojori did. He cares only for power and holds a grudge against Vorea for reasons unknown. Not many of the people are happy with the High Priest but they fear him. Some of those that protested him have disappeared from their homes at night. Soldiers tell us that they simply moved away, but no one believes this. They would rarely return and if they did, they never spoke out against the High Priest again."
Lucian was very interested in hearing more, but as he was about to speak, Kyrianna cut in.
"I have spoken to the High Priest, the old one. He lives, but is imprisoned still, and is being treated horribly. He did not commit the crimes they accuse him of. I believe him to be a good man."
The farmer was nodding as she spoke to him in what Lucian could only imagine to be perfect Kaheendran. He seemed to hold her word in high respect and by the time she was finished talking, the farmer seemed very upset at hearing that the old High Priest was falsely accused.
"Can you help us? Will you go into Kaheendra with us and speak to the people?" asked Kyrianna of the farmer.
He quickly looked away and shook his head. Eliath translated to Lucian what his response was.
"He said that he can’t risk losing his farm or his wife. Makashin is too powerful and would send a squad to take him away in the middle of the night."
Lucian stepped up and spoke to the farmer. Eliath translated. "We would not ask you if it were not of the utmost importance, but we understand the responsibility that you have to your family. We thank you greatly for the hospitality you have given us tonight. Tomorrow morning we will leave you be."
The old man looked at Lucian for a time and then glanced to Kyrianna before nodding his head and leaving the barn.
"What was that all about?” argued Kyrianna. “He could have helped us, talked to the people as a representative, as one of their own."
"If he does not come willingly then it will mean nothing. Don't worry, I have given him all the reason he needs to help, he must make the choice."
She stared at Lucian for a time, amazed at how confident he seemed and how that confidence forced its way into her mind. She hoped that it was not all in vain. She hoped that the end of her people wasn't at hand. She even found herself hoping, for some strange reason, that this man named Lucian might actually be able to help her. She held out her wrist to him. "My name is Kara, of Vorea." She felt bad about lying but did not want to take the chance that one of these strangers would recognize her name.
Lucian reached out and gripped her delicate wrist and was surprised at her firm grasp. Her green eyes shone so bright that he found it hard to look away. Her silky black hair hung down over her shoulders to her lower back, a few stray strands rested across her face. The clothes she was wearing did not belong on such a beautiful woman. He could tell by the way she carried herself that even the finest clothes would look simple on her. She was dirty and looked under-nourished but that did little to take away from her beauty. He found himself staring into her pristine, emerald eyes. Intensity burned within those eyes and they gleamed with intelligence. This was the most beautiful and intriguing woman he had ever seen. He pulled his hand away, embarrassed when he realized he had been holding her wrist so long.
Kyrianna gave Lucian a shy smile after letting go his wrist. She found herself lost in his golden gaze for a moment and realized she had been holding his wrist longer than customary. But she was amazed at those eyes. Like a wolf’s, they seemed to capture the glow of the moon itself. She had seen many foreigners before and had never thought them attractive, but this man was different. He had a rugged handsomeness that made her lose a breath when she looked at him. And those golden eyes, the ones that seemed to look right through her, to the truth of things. She had to will herself to stop thinking about him and greet the others.
His friend, possibly the largest man she had ever seen was also quite handsome but in a different way, the sight of him made her feel at ease, as if by the look of him, she knew that he would never try to take advantage of her or lie to her. He looked completely trustworthy.
The man from Ortsk was dressed like a monk but despite his smaller stature, he held himself like a king. His bare arms showed corded muscles and Kyrianna could tell from his graceful movements that he was a mighty warrior.
When she came face to face with the Culdoran woman, or face to neck rather, they exchanged steel gazes. This was a powerful woman, in body and mind. Kyrianna respected that and gave a nod showing as much.
Tarriel returned the nod. She didn't show it, but couldn’t help but hold a measure of respect for the Vorean woman who landed such a powerful blow. But their fight was far from over. Each woman looked at each other and unsaid words spoke the truth of that.
Lucian took the first watch. He wanted the others to sleep first so he could do something. He tried not to stare at the beautiful Vorean woman, Kara, but he found it difficult. She was wearing ragged clothes and aside from that, she was heavily bruised. Her lips were split and swollen along with one cheek and her lower jaw. Her hair was dirty and tangled but despite it all, Lucian thought she was still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. They locked eyes a few more times and Lucian offered her a small smile but he had to force himself to stop. He couldn't imagine the ordeal she had been through, or why, and he didn't want to give her reason to fear him. He let an hour pass before glancing over at her to see if she was asleep yet and she was, along with everyone else.
He quietly crept out of the barn and made his way over to the small house. A gentle rain had started again and he paused to look out over the field and watch the wind and rain swirl and spin in their ageless dance with each other. When he reached the house he gave a quiet knock on the door, hoping that the old man would not be to upset with him intruding yet again. To his surprise the
farmer answered rather quickly. As the door came open enough for him to see inside, he noticed a candle lit next to a chair with a book lying open on a small table next to it. The old farmer gave him quite the scowl but Lucian thought his looks to be more of a facade than anything. He could sense that this was a kind man.
When the old farmer raised his eyebrows in question, Lucian realized he still couldn't communicate with him. He hoped he could make the old man understand with gestures and was about to try when the farmer spoke up.
"What is it?" He asked in a decent Sanjeeran accent.
Lucian was baffled. The old man had not saw fit to let him and the others know that he spoke any other languages. He was pleasantly surprised at the fact that he could now speak with the man without having to wake Eliath.
"I am sorry to have disturbed you again, you have done us a great deed this day, but if I may be so bold, the Vorean lady that is with us, she is in need of some better attire. I do not wish her to remain in such torn garments. Do you have anything at all that might suit her?"
The old man gave Lucian a crooked grin, "She is not with you, that is plain enough."
Lucian didn't know what to say, he hadn't meant to try and deceive their host but realized that it may look like that. Before he could stumble over his words the old man spoke again.
"My name is Hounu. She looks to have been through a lot. I do not think she should have to go into Kaheendra wearing the clothes of a beggar either. I have the perfect outfit for her." He motioned for Lucian to come into the house. "Quietly now, my wife sleeps lightly."
Lucian followed the old man to a small room in the back of the house. It had a single cot and was furnished for that of a woman. "This was my daughter’s room." He opened up a chest at the foot of the cot and pulled out a thick parcel. "And this was to be hers." As he handed it over, his eyes rimmed with tears. Lucian was beginning to understand.
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